Ishaya Anthony | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Academic Achievements

Dr. Ishaya Anthony | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Dr. Ishaya Anthony is a distinguished scholar and researcher specializing in religion, theology, and education sciences. With over a decade of experience in academia, community service, and pastoral care, he has contributed significantly to interdisciplinary research on religion, public theology, and media studies. His scholarly pursuits focus on the intersection of faith, contemporary global issues, and social justice, making him a key voice in theological discourse. Currently, he is a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Johannesburg, where he continues to advance knowledge in religious studies.

Profile

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Education

Dr. Anthony holds a PhD in Religion & Theology, with a specialization in Education Sciences, from the University of the Western Cape and Ghent University. His doctoral research explored public pedagogy and the socio-political economy of religious media in Nigeria. He also earned a Master of Advanced Studies in Ecumenical Studies from the University of Geneva and the Ecumenical Institute, a Master of Theology in Practical Theology from Stellenbosch University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Theology. His academic foundation was laid at the Theological College of Northern Nigeria, where he completed a Bachelor of Divinity degree.

Experience

Dr. Anthony has extensive experience in both academic and ecclesiastical settings. He is a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Johannesburg’s Department of Religion Studies, where he is engaged in high-level theological and social research. Previously, he served as a research associate at Stellenbosch University and contributed to various research groups, including those focused on culture, education, and religion in media. His pastoral roles include serving as a priest-in-charge and parish priest in various Anglican communities in South Africa and Nigeria. Additionally, he has been actively involved in ecumenical initiatives, including an internship at the World Council of Churches and a research visit to the Vatican.

Research Interest

Dr. Anthony’s research interests encompass religion and media, public theology, ecumenical studies, homiletics, and the intersection of faith with socio-political realities. His work critically examines how religious institutions and leaders navigate contemporary global challenges, including corruption, human dignity, and social transformation. His research contributions aim to provide theological insights that influence public discourse and policy, particularly in African contexts.

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Anthony has received multiple honors for his contributions to theology, community service, and academic research. In December 2020, he was recognized for his role as an outstanding community leader and role model. He was also honored for his service as an Assistant Anglican Chaplain at Stellenbosch University in 2017. Additionally, he has been a recipient of prestigious academic scholarships, including the Ecumenical Formation Scholarship from the World Council of Churches and a conference grant from the United Society Partners in the Gospel (USPG).

Publications

Dr. Anthony has authored several impactful academic works. His notable publications include:

“Reimagining Ecumenical Theology: Towards Promoting the African Union Agenda 2063,” accepted by the Journal of Religious and Theological Information (2024).

“Trajectories in the Study of Preaching in Africa,” a forthcoming book chapter in A Companion to Preaching and the Sermon, 1890–2010 (Brill, 2024).

“Media Trajectories of the Anglican Church in Nigeria from 1853-2020,” published in Alternation Special Edition 38c (2021).

“Prophetic Preaching as Public Theological Engagement in a Context of Socio-Political Fear,” published in the International Journal of Public Theology (2021).

“New Nigeria: A Socio-Religious Dimension of Prophetic Envisioning,” published in HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies (2018).

Prophetic Preaching in a Context of Corruption in Nigeria, Master’s thesis (2017).

Preaching Human Dignity: Reflection on the Death Penalty, Postgraduate Diploma thesis (2014).

Conclusion

Dr. Ishaya Anthony’s academic credentials, extensive research contributions, and global engagements make him a distinguished candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work not only advances theological studies but also addresses critical socio-political and ethical issues, reinforcing his position as a leading scholar in his field. His dedication to research, mentorship, and community service exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher.

Seluleko Eric Ngcobo | Humanistic Studies | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Academic Achievements

Seluleko Eric Ngcobo | Humanistic Studies | Best Researcher Award

Seluleko Eric Ngcobo – Humanistic Studies | PhD Student at Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom

Seluleko Eric Ngcobo is a dedicated scholar in the field of sociology, known for his commitment to understanding and addressing complex social issues in South Africa and beyond. His work spans a range of social science topics, including gender dynamics, population studies, and evidence-based social interventions. With a background in both qualitative and quantitative research, Seluleko combines his analytical skills with a deep sense of empathy and a drive to impact social policy. His journey, marked by outstanding academic achievements and recognition such as the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, underscores his dedication to not only advancing academic knowledge but also contributing meaningfully to societal well-being.

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Education

Seluleko’s academic journey is a testament to his dedication to social research and policy. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Sociology at Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom, building on his impressive educational foundation. He holds a Master of Science in Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation from the University of Oxford, where he graduated with merit. Prior to this, he earned a Master’s degree in Population Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, graduating Cum Laude. His earlier educational pursuits also include a Bachelor of Social Work from the same institution, where he again achieved Cum Laude honors. Additionally, Seluleko completed the NVQ Level 2 certification in Quantitative Development Economics, further strengthening his research capabilities. His educational accomplishments reflect his passion for social science and his desire to employ rigorous research methods to inform policy.

Experience

Seluleko’s professional experience reflects his commitment to applying his academic knowledge in practical and impactful ways. Most recently, he served as a University Ambassador at Oxford Brookes University, where he engaged with prospective students, led campus tours, and participated in recruitment events. His role also included administrative tasks, social media engagement, and facilitating workshops, showcasing his versatile skills in both academia and student engagement. Previously, he worked as a Victim Offender Mediator (Social Work) with the Department of Correctional Services in Durban, a role in which he handled sensitive offender case management and facilitated dialogues between victims and offenders. His earlier roles include Program Coordinator at Aidswize, where he focused on HIV/AIDS awareness programs targeting South African students, and Research Assistant at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where he contributed to quantitative analysis and tutoring in data analysis software. His diverse professional experiences reflect his dedication to applying his research insights to address social challenges in various settings.

Research Interests

Seluleko’s research interests lie at the intersection of sociology, public health, and policy development. His work focuses on issues such as gender dynamics, particularly masculinity in South African prisons, and how these influence broader social behaviors and public health outcomes. Additionally, he explores the experiences of young parents, the impact of music on societal values, and the socioeconomic challenges faced by university students in South Africa. His research is characterized by a commitment to understanding the complex factors influencing social behaviors, with a specific interest in how policy can address these challenges. Seluleko’s interdisciplinary approach allows him to tackle complex issues using both qualitative and quantitative methods, which he employs to develop evidence-based insights that can inform policy and intervention programs.

Awards

Seluleko’s academic achievements have earned him several prestigious awards and honors throughout his career. His selection as a Rhodes Scholar in 2020 stands out as a significant recognition of his academic excellence and leadership potential. Additionally, he graduated Cum Laude in both his Master’s and Bachelor’s programs at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, further reflecting his dedication and hard work. He is also a member of the Golden Key Honor Society, an international recognition of academic achievement, where he held the position of Community Outreach Coordinator. Among other recognitions, he received the Ric Turner Award as the Best HIV/AIDS Programme Supporter and was noted for his contributions as Campus and Outreach Director at UKZN. These accolades highlight his academic rigor, leadership, and dedication to social causes, further solidifying his reputation as a committed and talented researcher.

Publications

Ngcobo, SE, Shumba, K. (2023). “Early childbearing experiences of young university student-parents in South Africa: A qualitative study.” Public Health Challenges, 2 Cited by: Public Health Review

Ngcobo, S. E. (2023). “A letter to my nephew, Ndalo.” Families, Relationships, and Societies, 12(1), 148-151. Cited by: Social Work Quarterly

Ngcobo, S., Bekaert, S., Wignall, R. & Miller, T. (2023). “A Scoping Review of Dominant Masculinities within South African Prisons.” African Journal of Gender, Society and Development, 12(4). Cited by: Journal of Sociology

Ngcobo, S. (2024). “A Case of Parenting Students: Experiences of Financial Struggles and Support in South African Public Universities.” African Journal of Development Studies, 14(1). Cited by: Education Policy Analysis

Ngcobo, S. (2024). “Popular South African music on dominant local masculine ideals and their influence on societal response to the gender-based violence (GBV) pandemic.” Cogent Arts & Humanities, 11(1). Cited by: Cultural Studies Review

Conclusion

Seluleko Eric Ngcobo is a dedicated researcher whose work addresses some of the most pressing social issues in contemporary South Africa. With a strong academic background, numerous accolades, and an impactful publication record, Seluleko is well-positioned to continue making valuable contributions to the fields of sociology and social policy. His commitment to bridging the gap between research and real-world application is evident in his diverse professional experience and his focus on evidence-based interventions. As a nominee for the Best Researcher Award, Seluleko exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher with the potential to influence policy and create positive social change.